Minister to retain final say on controversial projects under Labor’s long-awaited nature laws

Retention of ministerial powers satisfies key demand of Coalition and industry but disappoints groups who wanted ‘arms-length’ reviewFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe environment minister will still be responsible for approving projects under new federal nature laws, after Labor rebuffed calls for a completely independent watchdog with full decision-making powers.The retention of ministerial decision-making powers satisfies a key demand from the Coalition and industry and is not opposed by the Greens. Continue reading...